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Tipton keeps fundraising lead over Pace

U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton continues to outpace Democrat Sal Pace in campaign fundraising, but not by much.

Tipton took in about $416,000 in the second quarter of the year, and his Democratic challenger for the 3rd Congressional District raised about $413,000, according to campaign finance reports filed with the Federal Election Commission.

The bulk of the contributions for both candidates came from individuals. About 30 percent came from businesses, unions and political action committees.

Overall, Tipton has raised more than $400,000 from such interest groups as Halliburton Corp., Prosperity PAC and the Associated Builders & Contractors.

Pace, meanwhile, has raised the bulk of his $320,000 PAC money from union groups, including the American Postal Workers, the American Federation of Teachers and the United Food & Commercial Workers.

“I continue to be pleased with the campaign’s momentum,” Pace said. “All around the district, I hear the same things from people of all political stripes. They want to send someone to Congress who puts Colorado priorities first, instead of Washington leadership.”

But it’s that Washington leadership where both campaigns are getting wide support.

Pace has received $17,300 from the Red to Blue Majority, a Democratic Party group aimed at picking up targeted seats held by Republicans, particularly those in competitive districts such as the 3rd.

He also raised $10,000 from the Bridge PAC. That group is one of several leadership PACs, which are formed by senior congressional leaders who use their own contributions to help junior party members get elected.

Tipton, too, is getting his share of leadership support.

The freshman Republican received nearly $25,000 from three such groups, including Prosperity PAC, which is operated by Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee. That PAC has contributed more than $3 million to junior Republicans nationwide so far, and has nearly $4 million more to give away, according to FEC filings.

Tipton also has received nearly $27,000 from several GOP groups aimed at maintaining the party’s control of the U.S. House.

“I’m not concerned with how much money’s coming into (Pace’s) race. He’s got national support from liberal interest groups,” said Michael Fortney, Tipton’s campaign manager. “We’re hitting our goals and hitting the numbers we need to hit. Both sides understand that this is going to be a very competitive race.”

Neither campaign has spent significant cash yet, including on the all-important ad buys in newspapers and on radio and television. Traditionally those ads don’t start running until after Labor Day.